If the first day of Milan Fashion Week is anything to go by, fashion’s focus may be returning to well-designed products for real life, not costumes for pretty pictures.

The labels both staged co-ed shows for the first time — with differing results.

Arthur Arbesser and Alessandro Dell'Acqua took inspiration from their personal histories and immediate surroundings this season to winning effect.

No. 21 and Pal Zileri merged couture fabrics and tailoring, while Emporio Armani showed one of its best collections in years.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua’s N.21 and Arthur Arbesser deftly juxtaposed hot and cold.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua deserves kudos for trying to move the fashion conversation forward but he must iron out the Prada-isms.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua's mix of ska, punk and ladylike glitz once again proved the strong signature the designer has developed at his line.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua's twisted classics — suited for the urban jungle — may not be groundbreaking, but are nonetheless consistently fresh and smart.